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Tag: Ameya Velankar

  • Uber flips the script with Gambhir and Ashwin in playful new campaign

    Uber flips the script with Gambhir and Ashwin in playful new campaign

    MUMBAI: When Gautam Gambhir smiles in an ad, you know the commute must be smooth. Uber India has rolled out a fresh campaign featuring cricket stalwarts Gautam Gambhir and Ravichandran Ashwin, casting them not in their usual serious avatars but in refreshingly playful moods as they zip around in Uber rides.

    The series of films, peppered with social-first content, shows how Uber Auto, Bike and Car rides can turn India’s daily grind of traffic snarls, heat and hassle into journeys that are reliable, affordable and surprisingly uplifting.

    “We wanted to bring a fresh, fun lens to Uber’s role in removing everyday travel struggles. With the unexpected duo of Gambhir and Ashwin, we’ve created a light-hearted take on how Uber makes rides not just reliable and affordable, but also mood uplifting. Our aim is to be the go-to brand for young Indian aspirers, one that connects function with feeling and nudges even non-users to try Uber for the first time,” said Uber head of marketing for India and South Asia Ameya Velankar.

    The campaign takes a culture-first approach, rolling out in multiple regional languages and markets, tapping into local humour, pop culture cues and everyday commuting insights. The wide rollout spans TV, digital, social platforms, and outdoor, ensuring Uber’s message is seen and felt across urban India.

    Uber today operates across two-, three- and four-wheelers, along with buses and mass transit options, giving millions of Indians flexibility to pick rides that suit their budget, need and time. From the quick bike dash to beat gridlock, to a trusty auto or a comfortable car trip, Uber has woven itself into India’s urban fabric.

    With creative duties handled by FCB India and media by Essence Mediacomm, the campaign underscores Uber’s positioning as more than just a ride, it’s a mood-changer. By making cricket’s most no-nonsense players break into grins, Uber hopes to convince even the most commute-weary Indian that travel can be a happy ride after all.

  • JioCinema & Sports18 to bring back T20 World cup memories – 8 Nov onwards

    JioCinema & Sports18 to bring back T20 World cup memories – 8 Nov onwards

    Mumbai – As cricket fans gear up for another epic showdown, JioCinema and Sports18 are bringing the South Africa vs India T20 series exclusively to screens from 8 to 15 November 2024. This four-match T20I series will not only reignite the rivalry between two top cricketing nations but will also serve as a callback to the T20 World Cup final that saw India crowned champions.

    With India’s new-look T20 team stepping into the spotlight, the series promises to carry forward the legacy of India’s world champion status. This next generation of Indian cricketers is ready to prove their mettle, and the stakes are high as the team embarks on its journey to uphold the winning standards set at the World Cup. For Indian fans, this series is more than just a bilateral cricket competition; it’s a rematch that reminds us of the tension and exhilaration of the World Cup final.

    Advertising opportunities with JioCinema

    JioCinema, a leader in digital sports streaming, is offering advertisers a premium platform to engage millions of viewers during the T20 series. With innovative ad formats, seamless integration across mobile and web, and precise audience targeting, JioCinema ensures that brands can amplify their messaging during peak cricket viewership.

    The pressure to maintain the status of world champions, combined with the excitement of fresh talent stepping up, makes this a must-watch event for fans and a golden opportunity for advertisers across the four matches (8, 10, 13 & 15 Nov) along with JioCinema’s introduction to new premium advertising offerings, providing access to two highly valuable audience segments for the first time. These include iOS users, who are individuals using Apple/iPhone devices, and a combined “iOS + 50k” group, consisting of people with phones valued at Rs 50,000 and above. Both of these premium cohorts are now available alongside the existing Connected TV (CTV) audience, giving advertisers a unique opportunity to reach the most affluent and sought-after viewers.

    A Viacom18 spokesperson shared, “With India’s status as world champions and the fresh energy of the new T20 squad, this series will captivate audiences across the country. Our audience-first approach allows advertisers to craft high-impact campaigns that resonate with passionate cricket fans.”

    Partners and sponsors join the action

    Some of the country’s top brands—Housing.com, Uber, and Motul Oil—have joined as associate sponsors for this electrifying series, leveraging the opportunity to connect with fans through JioCinema’s advanced advertising solutions.

    Housing.com vice president of marketing, Rahul Ralhan commented, “This series is poised to attract immense attention, especially with the new T20 team taking charge. We are excited to be part of this series and to reach such a diverse and engaged audience through JioCinema.”

    Motul Oil director marketing – India & South Asia, Preetam Goswami said, “The intensity of a rematch with South Africa is bound to keep fans hooked, and we are proud to align our brand with this kind of high-energy content. Partnering with JioCinema provides us a unique chance to engage with audiences across the country.”

    Uber India head of marketing, Ameya Velankar added, “Cricket is a major unifier in India, and the South Africa vs India series gives us the perfect platform to connect with millions. With JioCinema’s extensive audience targeting, we can engage cricket fans in a meaningful and impactful way.”

    JioCinema and Sports18 will bring every ball, boundary, and breakthrough directly to viewers, ensuring an unforgettable experience for cricket lovers and an exceptional platform for brands to connect with their audience.

  • Uber Camper to save the day for Ind vs Pak cricket fans

    Uber Camper to save the day for Ind vs Pak cricket fans

    Mumbai: Introducing the Uber Camper – a limited-edition service for the most anticipated cricket match that will provide fans with an opportunity to seal their spot for a memorable and exciting stay for free! Uber has a special surprise for cricket fans gearing up for the epic cricket battle between India and Pakistan as part of the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 on 14 October.

    After the crazy rush to get match tickets for the most anticipated clash is over, the focus has shifted to finding stay options in the host city Ahmedabad as hotels in the city are all sold out. As the d-day draws closer, many cricket lovers have been scrambling to find stay options for the match weekend and are exploring choices ranging from makeshift bread-and-breakfast places at sky-high prices to reportedly booking hospital beds.

    Uber’s unmatchable offering is designed to beat the hotel booking blues while bringing unadulterated joy and hassle-free experience of the iconic match on the cards.  

    The #UberCamper Contest

    To win a stay in Uber Camper – Uber has launched a social media contest from 4-7 October where cricket fans have to post their pictures holding a placard with details on how they plan to support Team India. They can tag their squad – up to three friends or family members who are also joining them for the India Vs. Pakistan match in Ahmedabad- and tag @UberIndia. From the entries received, Uber will announce select lucky winners on October 8. Each winner will get an option to reserve their exclusive #UberCamper from the Uber app itself and have all their stay worries clean-bowled!

    The #UberCamper, a memorable and exciting stay-on-wheels, will be stationed near the match venue so the fans can focus on the big day at hand.

    Uber India and South Asia head of marketing Ameya Velankar said, “There isn’t a bigger cricketing moment in the subcontinent than an India-Pakistan clash and at Uber we want to show up for the fans who are going to great lengths to support their teams. As #IndiaKiRide, we are thrilled to bring #UberCamper to Ahmedabad so that passionate Team India fans can focus on cheering for their teams while parking their accommodation worries with us. We can’t wait to welcome cricket-lovers aboard the #UberCamper for a memorable ride.”

    The contest winners will be able to reserve an #UberCamper from 13-15 October and each #UberCamper has a capacity of up to four people which the winner can decide to bring along.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Uber India (@uber_india)

     

  • Uber elevates Ameya Velankar to head of marketing, India & South Asia

    Uber elevates Ameya Velankar to head of marketing, India & South Asia

    Mumbai: Uber has promoted Ameya Velankar as head of marketing, for India and South Asia region. He was previously the head – product marketing at the company.

    Velankar will be working closely with the India & SA leadership team to consolidate Uber’s growing presence in these strategic markets and further strengthen the brand Uber, said the company said in a statement.

    Velankar is a seasoned marketer who comes with over 13 years of experience in marketing, sales & operations across different geographies. He has been the interim lead for INSA since November 2020, and has played multiple roles at Uber in his two-and-a-half-year stint. Before Uber, he led category marketing for SC Johnson & was the group product head at Marico.

    “We are delighted as Ameya takes on his new role as head of marketing for INSA,” said Uber India South Asia president, Prabhjeet Singh. “Ameya has had a fantastic track record with Uber since 2019, and I am confident that he will help us build a stronger, diverse, and more engaged marketing team. At Uber, we continue to build and strengthen a team of industry experts who appreciate the impact of ridesharing and drive innovation for a better tomorrow.”

    Velankar commented, “I am extremely thrilled to be part of Uber’s journey as it continues to reimagine the way the world moves for the better. Uber has had a great impact on cities & communities in India. I am excited to be a part of this journey & make the brand Uber accessible to millions of customers in India.”